Defence Security & Compliance Officer

Gattaca; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Gattaca is seeking a Defence Security & Compliance Officer to lead security governance and assurance across sensitive programmes in Oxfordshire's advanced engineering and defence sector. You will collaborate with senior leadership, government stakeholders, and external partners to uphold security standards across the business.

In this highly visible role, you will influence strategy, implement best practice, and support delivery of cutting-edge defence projects.

Qualifications

• Experience with UK government security requirements and defence compliance frameworks.
• Ability to engage with senior leadership and external partners on security matters.
• Strong communication and analytic skills for risk and policy work.
• Demonstrated autonomy in complex, regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with UK defence and government security frameworks.
• Manage personnel, physical, information, and contract security requirements.
• Conduct security risk assessments and identify mitigation strategies.
• Support investigations and incident response activities.
• Deliver security awareness training across the organisation.
• Engage with government bodies, customers, suppliers, and external security agencies.
• Provide security advice to programme teams and senior stakeholders.
• Support business growth activities within the defence sector.

Skills

Security governance

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Security risk assessment

Job description

Oxfordshire | Advanced Engineering & Defence Technology Sector

Help Shape the Future of Critical Defence Innovation

We're supporting a pioneering advanced engineering organisation at the forefront of next-generation technology development. Operating within one of the UK's most exciting and rapidly evolving sectors, this business is delivering innovative engineering solutions that support national security, cutting-edge technical programmes, and the future of sustainable technology.

As the organisation continues to expand its defence capabilities, an opportunity has arisen for a Defence Security & Compliance Officer to lead security governance, compliance, and assurance activities across a growing portfolio of sensitive programmes.

The Opportunity

This is a highly visible role where you will act as the focal point for defence security, working closely with senior leadership, programme teams, government stakeholders, and external partners to ensure security standards are maintained across all aspects of the business.

You will have the opportunity to influence strategy, implement best practice, and support the delivery of innovative projects operating at the cutting edge of defence and advanced engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with UK defence and government security frameworks.
• Manage personnel, physical, information, and contract security requirements.
• Conduct security risk assessments and identify mitigation strategies.
• Support investigations and incident response activities.
• Deliver security awareness training throughout the organisation.
• Engage with government bodies, customers, suppliers, and external security agencies.
• Provide security advice to programme teams and senior stakeholders.
• Support business growth activities within the defence sector.

About You

We're interested in hearing from experienced security professionals who can demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of UK Government security requirements and defence compliance frameworks.
• Experience leading security activities within a defence, aerospace, government, or highly regulated environment.
• Expertise across personnel, physical, information, and operational security.
• The ability to engage confidently with senior leadership teams and external stakeholders.
• Experience assessing and managing security risks within complex programmes.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach and the ability to operate autonomously.

Why Apply?

• Join a business operating at the forefront of advanced engineering and defence innovation.
• Play a key role in protecting groundbreaking technology and critical programmes.
• Work alongside highly talented engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.
• Influence security strategy within a growing and ambitious organisation.
• Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.